Declan with his agent/Dad Sean
Team Rice are doing their utmost to drive the Arsenal deal ahead of any Manchester City may be preparing to offer.
We are told that a public relations person has indeed been employed to ensure that as many “Declan for Arsenal ” stories appear in the mainline media as possible on as near daily basis.
Declan is determined to join the Gooners it seems and will resist a Manchester City option if and when it emerges despite his enthusiasm to win Champions League honours.
He has no interest in moving to the north after the birth of his child but the entire scenario may have put him on a collision course with the club.
As we reported earlier, the Hammers want only wants best for the club and if the best offer comes, as ultimately it may from City, that is the one they will accept regardless of Declan’s Arsenal hopes.
Quite what happens then is debateable. Dec could ask for a transfer, or the club could decide to hold him for another year with both sides sweating it out as the summer passes.
A transfer request is unlikely and a compromise may be worked out but this one has some way to run. In the meantime expect more Declan for Arsenal tales from the PR machine.